Parc du Cinquantenaire

Designed to celebrate the half-centenary of Belgium's 1830 independence, the Parc du Cinquantenaire means "Golden Jubilee Park."  It is an extensive garden with paths, benches, and sculpture.  Another beautiful day filled with sun and so the Belgians were stripping off sweaters once again to soak in the warmth of the autumn sun. 

 At the top of the park is the Arc du Cinquantenaire, topped with a four-horse chariot that represents Brabant rising the flag-- and in the middle arc is an enormous Belgian flag.

On both sides are museums, including a rather dull museum of native american art. 

Berlaymont Palace, an X-shaped building, houses the European Commission (though they are building a new headquarters)

 The Parc is near the European District--where the buildings of the European Union, Council, and Parliament are located (and very near to my hotel).

Consilium is where the Council of Ministers is housed.

The current President of the EU is Cyprus, having gotten it in the 6 months rotation.